Extending the shelf life of fruits

Raspberries and strawberries share a common problem: they don't last long. Following their harvest, both fruits will go "bad" much quicker than other popular fruits, such as apples and bananas. By the time they get to the grocery store, they only have a few short days of freshness on the shelves. According to past research, around 25% of strawberries are discarded at the distribution and retail level, resulting in economic losses.

Researchers from South Dakota State University's Department of Dairy and Food Science are working on a solution. They believe that by developing biodegradable packaging material from agriculture residue — the researchers refer to these materials as "films" — they can extend the shelf life of raspberries and strawberries.

Ice cores reveal multiple major volcanic eruptions from 13th century

Deep beneath the barren landscape of Antarctica lies secrets to the climatic history of the world. Frozen in the ice are chemical markers which, when studied by scientists, can help reveal a historical record of key climate events.

Recently, Jihong Cole-Dai, professor in South Dakota State University's College of Natural Sciences, published a paper on his and his colleagues studies of ice cores from both Antartica and Greenland, which revealed the 13th century had an unprecedented five major volcanic eruptions. The five eruptions occurring over a span of approximately 55 years in the 13th century may have helped trigger what is known as the "Little Ice Age," a cold period that lasted from around A.D. 1300 to 1850.

Scientists have long suspected that volcanic activity may have played some role in the Little Ice Age, but Cole-Dai's study, which provides unambiguous evidence that the century leading up to the Little Ice Age had five large volcanic eruptions, supports the hypothesis that the Little Ice Age was caused by these volcanic eruptions.

College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions research update

In the past two months, faculty from South Dakota State University's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions have had eight articles published in peer-reviewed journals. 

Topics covered in these publications include poverty simulation, impact of a new medication for cystic fibrosis, stigma surrounding substance use disorder, a rare pediatric case of Bergeyella zoohelcum, medical billing in pharmacy curriculum, American Pharmacists Association Foundation incentive grants, social determinants of health in pharmacy curriculum, and population health management and naloxone counseling. 

Collaborating to combat crime 

South Dakota State University will serve as the host of a new National Science Foundation-backed Research Experiences for Undergraduates site aimed at disrupting the illicit economy. Rachel Willand-Charnley, scientist and professor in SDSU's College of Natural Sciences, will serve as the program director and lead investigator.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs are aimed at offering cutting-edge research opportunities for undergraduate students. The programs are hosted at different university sites each summer and are focused on solving real-world problems through interdisciplinary research.

Who buys frozen fruits and vegetables?

Roughly 90% of United States adults do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, per recommendations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Further research shows that some groups of people — young adults, men and lower-income households — are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables than other groups.

Geb Bastian is an assistant professor in South Dakota State University's School of Health and Human Sciences and an Extension nutrition and health state specialist. Recently, Bastian conducted an exploratory study on the sociodemographic factors affecting the purchase of frozen, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables.

In the Spotlight: Stephanie Hanson 

Stephanie Hanson is an assistant professor in South Dakota State University's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions and a researcher in maternal and child health. Her research focuses on the relationship between empowerment and the development of perinatal mental health disorders.

Research in the News

Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan — "Better Bread: How SDSU Researchers Are Improving a Staple Food"

MSN — "Research highlights disparities in frozen fruit and vegetable buying habits"

The Brookings Register — "South Dakota State student researchers collaborating to combat crime" 

American Ag Network — "Midwest Animal Science Meeting to Highlight SDSU Research"

MSN — "Ice cores reveal multiple major volcanic eruptions from the 13th century"